AFT Utah president Brad Asay has been one of the AFT's most energetic leaders in sharing the vision of reclaiming the promise of public education to his members and the broader community.
Unions representing approximately 2 million healthcare workers have called for independent third-party experts to validate any COVID-19 vaccine before they will receive or administer it. In a joint statement, the AFT, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and the Service Employees International Union said, “Given [the Trump administration’s] record of politicization of public health, it is impossible for us to take or promote any vaccine without additional assurance from independent experts that the approval process has not been tainted. Once they recommend a specific vaccine or vaccines, we will be eager to work with federal, state and local bodies and with the leadership of the healthcare community and the communities we serve and live in to accurately educate the public and promote a fair and effective vaccination program for distributing this desperately needed vaccine.” Read the full press release here.
In Los Angeles, UTLA members took to the picket lines because their schools are starved of resources. In Washington, D.C., President Trump has shut down the government to secure his border wall. In her monthly New York Times column, AFT President Randi Weingarten writes that when our elected leaders fail, whether by not funding public schools or by shutting down services that provide for our safety, they strike at the very heart of what makes us a democratic republic. Read the full column.
In her monthly New York Times column, AFT President Randi Weingarten highlights the massive gap between President Trump’s rhetoric and reality. While the well-to-do are doing very well in the current economy, working Americans have been left behind. Weingarten demands leaders take action to benefit all Americans by ensuring accessible, affordable healthcare for all; reining in college debt; and adequately funding public education. Read the full column.